These recommended guidelines apply to healthy seniors (65 years of age and older) who have no specific disease or additional risk factors. They're recommendations only. Be sure to talk to your own physician to discuss your personal health guidelines in-depth.

Women's Health Guidelines (65 and older)

Recommended Test

Guideline

Weight

Annually

Blood pressure

At least every 1-2 years

Cholesterol

At least every 5 years

Immunizations

Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years
Influenza annually
Pneumococcal, once at age 65

Clinical breast exam

Health care provider, annually
Self-exam, monthly

Mammography

Annually

Pelvic exam/PAP smear

Every 1-3 years

Colon cancer screening

Annual stool blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years OR colonoscopy every 10 years

Diabetes screening

Every 3 years OR per health care provider

Eye exam

Every 1-2 years as indicated

Hearing exam

Every 1-2 years as indicated

Men's Health Guidelines (65 and older)

Recommended Test

Guideline

Weight

Annually

Blood pressure

At least every 1-2 years

Cholesterol

At least once every 5 years

Immunizations

Tetanus-Diphtheria every 10 years
Influenza annually
Pneumococcal once at age 65

Prostate cancer screening

Discuss with provider the benefits and limitations of screening PSA and digital rectal exam

Testicular exam

As part of routine exam

Colon cancer screening

Annual stool blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or Colonoscopy every 10 years